Sleep is overrated
I got back Thursday from my research trip to Cape Cod for the second book, and it was a roaring success! I came home enlightened, exhilarated – and unfortunately, exhausted. It seems that the best time to ask questions of hotel employees is between 5 and 6 in the morning, before the first bleary-eyed guests arrive in the lobby in search of free coffee.
Getting up at 4:45am was more than worth it however, as I heard stories of Victorian ghosts’ activities, drunken wedding attendees’ antics, and summer guests outlandish requests. Actually, I don’t know which was more frightening!
My husband gave me a digital audio recorder for Christmas that, technophobe though I am, I must admit I absolutely love. During interviews, I could just hit “record” (look Ma – no tapes!) and know that every word my subject said would be captured. Since I didn’t have to worry about taking notes, I could really participate in the conversations…
Some random things I learned: the science behind designing a good bonfire, the sometimes disillusioning origins of clam chowder, the stark distinction in behavior between conference attendees and vacationers, several reasons it may not be a good idea to build a multi-million dollar mansion by the seaside, how fishing can change one’s life in the blink of an eye, and why it’s always wise to have company if you work late at night in an old Cape Cod building…
I was fortunate enough to meet some truly unforgettable people, and they were kind enough to share their insights with me. Even a nasty snowstorm offered me fodder for my book (and a chance to spend extra time with my family to boot).
Now that I’ve made my research trip and drawn up a schedule that’ll hopefully result in a first draft for Book 2 by the end of September, it’s time for the hard part (and the fun part too).
Let the writing begin!
